Daytona Beach Coptic Christian church to hold solidarity meeting

Published: Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 6:13 p.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 6:13 p.m.

Local Coptic Christians plan to have a solidarity meeting Wednesday to show their support for residents of Egypt who are hoping for a more democratic society.

Emad Kamel, a member of St. George Coptic Orthodox Church, said the local Egyptian community is expecting a turnout of 300 people at the meeting.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University professor Dr. Magdy Attia, also a member of the church, volunteered to speak on the community’s behalf during the meeting. There will also be a video on the history of the Egyptian community and how the country has changed since the Muslim Brotherhood came to power.

Kamel said the church also hopes to clarify for the community exactly why hundreds have died and why churches, mosques, schools, government offices and museums with priceless Egyptian artifacts have been burned to the ground.

“They’re trying to get rid of the Egyptian identity,” Kamel said of the Muslim Brotherhood militia. “Both Muslims and Christians are suffering from the Muslim Brotherhood’s practices.”

The meeting will be held at St. George’s fellowship hall, 300 N. Halifax Ave., in Daytona Beach, at 7 p.m. People of all faiths are invited.

<p>Local Coptic Christians plan to have a solidarity meeting Wednesday to show their support for residents of Egypt who are hoping for a more democratic society.</p><p>Emad Kamel, a member of St. George Coptic Orthodox Church, said the local Egyptian community is expecting a turnout of 300 people at the meeting.</p><p>Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University professor Dr. Magdy Attia, also a member of the church, volunteered to speak on the community’s behalf during the meeting. There will also be a video on the history of the Egyptian community and how the country has changed since the Muslim Brotherhood came to power.</p><p>Kamel said the church also hopes to clarify for the community exactly why hundreds have died and why churches, mosques, schools, government offices and museums with priceless Egyptian artifacts have been burned to the ground.</p><p>“They’re trying to get rid of the Egyptian identity,” Kamel said of the Muslim Brotherhood militia. “Both Muslims and Christians are suffering from the Muslim Brotherhood’s practices.”</p><p>The meeting will be held at St. George’s fellowship hall, 300 N. Halifax Ave., in Daytona Beach, at 7 p.m. People of all faiths are invited.</p>